NORRIS CHARGED: Alleged attempted escapee back in court

COLUMBIA CITY — A Cromwell man who allegedly attempted to escape Whitley County Jail in December was back in court Monday.

Charles Norris, 29, was in Whitley County Circuit Court for probation violation. The charges against Norris for the alleged incident include attempted escape, a Class B felony, and intimidation with a deadly weapon, a Class C felony.

Norris also has a pending court date for the attempted escape and intimidation charges. According to the case report, Norris attempted to escape from jail on Saturday, Dec. 8. He allegedly used a sharpened toothbrush and held it to the throat of a fellow inmate, demanding the jailer to give him the keys. Whitley County Sheriff’s Department jailers were able to bring the situation under control.

The probation violation count, for which Norris was in court Monday, alleged that Norris had possessed a hand gun while a serious felon, which was a violation of his probation. Norris was originally sentenced to six years for nine counts of burglary and eight counts of criminal mischief in Dec. 2006. He was released Nov. 2009. A continuance was requested by defense attorney Brad Voelz. Voelz said Norris could have psychological problems and requested the continuance, which was granted, for the probation violation charge. Norris will be back in court Feb. 11.

A Class B felony carries a sentence of six to 20 years in prison, with 10 years being the advisory sentence. A Class C felony carries a sentence of two to eight years, with four being the advisory sentence. Both crimes also have a maximum fine of $10,000 each.

Norris will be back in court to face these charges on Feb. 11.

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